A new bill inspired by the tragic killing of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel in Liverpool would impose tougher penalties on offenders who avoid court hearings, keeping her legacy alive.
00:00The killing of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Corbell shocked Liverpool and the wider country.
00:05She was shot in Dovecote in August 2022.
00:08The man responsible, Thomas Cashman, was later sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 42 years.
00:15But at Manchester Crown Court in April 2023, he refused to turn up for sentencing.
00:21Olivia's mother, Cheryl Corbell, has campaigned tirelessly to prevent this happening to other families.
00:27Her efforts have led to the introduction of a new law, formerly called the Victims and Courts Bill, often referred to as Olivia's Law.
00:35Introduced to Parliament in May, it passed the second reading and is now being considered in the House of Lords.
00:41If passed, the legislation would allow courts in England and Wales to impose an additional two-year sentence, among other sanctions, on offenders who refuse to attend or disrupt hearings.
00:53This could include losing privileges, such as family visits.
00:55Cheryl says the law is about keeping her daughter's legacy alive and ensuring no other family faces the same ordeal.
01:03Since Olivia's death, Ms Corbell has met both Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Sirkia Starmer.
01:10She described these encounters as overwhelming, adding that the process of campaigning has opened her eyes to the political world.
01:19Sirkia previously praised her determination, saying her efforts would be heard by the whole world.
01:25For Ms Corbell, the legislation is deeply personal.
01:28It's not only a step in legal reform, but also a tribute to her daughter's memory.
01:33Olivia's Law could change how courts handle sentencing, reinforcing accountability and respect for the judicial process, whilst honouring the young life that was sadly lost.
01:44Olivia's Law could change how совремed the young man 격n Von Coyne Conduille and Herb, a dividend of the job that was a part of the jury's death.
01:49Olivia's Law could change how court hairs, and what was the case for the police's death.
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